A Dirty Dozen with JORDAN WHITMORE – October 2019
According to a recent press release: “Texas-based singer-songwriter Jordan Whitmore is set to share her rootsy pop/Americana musical goodness with the world on September 6, 2019, with the release of her EP, Good Things. Mixing heartland rock & roll guitars with bright pop hooks a la Sheryl Crow, Whitmore showcases her cross-genre sound on the EP, which was produced by Brian Douglas Phillips (who produced her 2014 album, Other Side, as well as singles like “Here’s To You” and “I Promise”).” We get Jordan to discuss new music, influences, and much more…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
It’s a little bit eclectic, with some songs leaning more pop or country or rock — so hopefully the listener will find at least one song they really resonate with. Songs like “Something Different” and “Good Things” are more straightforward, but others like “What If” and “I Wish You Would” might need a couple listens for the message of the lyric to sink in. There’s some weighty source material on this EP, but I think the music itself is uplifting and hopeful. There are also some quirky background vocal moments that I think the listener might not pick up on until several listens.
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
My parents played music a lot in the house and in the car. My dad quizzed me on oldies, so it was definitely a part of my childhood. And somewhere along the line, I learned that I could sing okay. I think I realized I wanted to be a musician in high school when I saw singer/songwriters perform at a local coffee shop, and I wanted to be doing what they were doing.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
My taste was pretty eclectic growing up and it still is. But a standout for me around the time that I decided I wanted to play guitar and write songs was Sixpence None the Richer.
4. Who would be your main five musical influences?
John Mayer, Brandi Carlisle, Lauryn Hill, Tom Petty, and Patsy Cline.
5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
Maybe Ryan Tedder, because he’s such a musical powerhouse.
6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?
It would depend on the person’s age probably. A simple answer is Roots/Pop or Americana/Pop. For the younger crowd, I might say Brandi Carlisle meets Joy Williams. My dad once compared me to Fergie, and I didn’t know how to take that.
7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
Most hang time happens in the studio, and I’m always the one to make food a priority and get everyone’s order in. No one wants me to be low blood sugar. : )
8. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?
I just met Shawn Colvin at a record store, and I was a little nervous because she is such a badass.
9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?
The creative outlet, for sure. Playing and writing songs is free therapy. : ) Dream job other than music? I think I’d be a pro tennis player.
10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?
I like random questions the best. As for the one I’m tired of… not an interviewer question, but “What type of music do you play?” is probably the one I get the most from people, and it’s my least favorite because it’s hard to pick one genre or compare myself to one artist.
11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?
Probably certain songs I’ve recorded, but I try not to have regrets because I think they can get you stuck in the present and fearful of making the “wrong” decision. There’s music out there that I’m not super proud of now, but the truth is that it’s part of my journey and growth as an artist, and I try to be okay with that.
12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
That’s a tough one! I mean, John Mayer’s Continuum is up there. The lyrical content, the melodies, the production. It all just comes together. I know that record through and through.
JORDAN WHITMORE LINKS:
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Category: Interviews